Engineered Blessings

Reflection for 2011

2011-12-19T09:52:00.004+11:00

Time flies and 2011 is coming to an end. Many things have happened throughout the year. People come and go, memories made.

I thank God for the many blessings in my life, for never abandoning me no matter how rebellious I was/am, for always reminding me that God is in charge of my life. I thank God for the people He has put into my life to help me along the way, to show me love is possible and to show me the importance of forgiveness.

For the year of 2012, where the next chapter begins, I pray for guidance, wisdom, knowledge and support. I pray that God will continue to put people in my life, and for me to continue being a blessing to the people around me.

Easter break soon

2011-04-18T11:45:00.001+10:00

Woohoo, easter break is in 4 days time. Can't wait for camp. Can't wait for the renewal of faith. Camp always let me to not thing about "worldly" things, but just to simply embrace in the simpleness of things.

Megan - it'll be 3 days with her =)

Other stuff:

Belated birthday present - still waiting for the black and white birds

Just submitted my progress report two weeks ago. Which meant I have another progress report to submit to CWW (another 2 more to my school), then the last submission is going to be my thesis. Counting down the months, should be another 9 months to complete my Masters.

April updates

2011-04-04T07:47:00.001+10:00

I'm no more working at the drycleaning shop because they found someone else to work on Saturdays. So last Saturday was my first Saturday of 'independence' from work, and it feels good to sleep in, and be doing work before 1pm. Haha

Easter Camp is coming soon. Less than 3 more weeks to camp and can't wait for it. Went with the other camp committees to have a look at the camp site and it looks really fun! =) Of course, can't wait for messages to be learnt.

School seminar is next week where I'll be presenting in front of my lecturers and postgrad students. This is to prepare me for the conference that I'm going to next month.

Birthday celebration updates

2011-03-17T15:55:00.000+11:00

Hehe sorry for the late birthday update. Birthday was last Friday. Celebration started on Friday night with uni colleagues, then followed by dumplings the next day and Korean for dinner. Italian followed on Sat and dinner with relatives on Sunday. Was bloated but thankful.

This year, I've also got more presents as compared to the other years. Ahhh happy! I think, no matter how old we are, we still love presents. Hehe.. am truly warmth by sms-es and the messages left on my facebook.

Was supposed to post some pictures but internet at home is really slow, again. Will put them up once our internet goes back to normal next week.

On another note, weekend is approaching. Yay!

Letter

2011-03-08T10:09:00.001+11:00

You gave me a letter, together with something else. I asked what I am going to get for my birthday. You gave me that surprised look and said "we can go for a movie, but it's expensive though". Then I left. Went to a corner to open up the letter, and you said you love me. Is this a kind of joke? I though of the korean drama I was watching, about the guy telling that he likes the girl as a sister, when the girl confessed. Was this letter the same?

Then, I woke up. Meh, it was only a dream

Birthday month

2011-03-02T13:08:00.000+11:00

Woohoo birthday month! Somehow I always feel extra special during this time of the year. Anyway, gave sis my birthday present request. She suggested that I do a birthday party but I'm thinking of a gathering. And if yes to that, where? We'll see..

Same O' same O'

2011-02-24T15:38:00.000+11:00

Nothing much to update as usual. Few things that I need to do though, start fixing my resume. Application for graduate position are starting to open and I've got a few companies in mind already.

"if you believe with your mind, then you will have it"

Highlights for this week are city cell's picnic and Jane's 21st party.

Valentine's

2011-02-14T10:20:00.000+11:00

I've nothing much to update. Treasured Possession was yesterday. As usual, lots of food. Feel free to view the photos here.

Trip to Adelaide in May has been confirmed. Head of school approved my travel and flight tickets have been booked. Not sure about accommodation yet but we'll be staying at Mercure Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide.

Anyway, happy valentine's to all, single or taken, valentine is for all =)

Year of the Rabbit

2011-02-07T11:10:00.002+11:00

Gong Xi Fa Cai to everyone! Sorry for the lack of updates. CNY weekend was busy, with lots of eating. Lunch with our church's care group then dinner at JohnY's place. So much good food! Too good that I don't have to learn cooking and just wait for leftovers hah.

Dinner at Paul's, one of the Key's Mission people

On Sunday we went for dim sum because one of our friend is going to Canberra for the next few months. Since I usually get tired after meals, awesome food makes more tired. Lol *random*. Oh then went to the city to see the CNY festival. There were lots of people and things to see. Lion dance, food stalls, games stalls, dvd stalls etc. Had much fun.. then we had dinner with relatives at Box Hill. Most of our dishes were mushroom and vege >< but it was okay. Too full for meat.

This week I'm going to start my experiments. Gonna be really busy for the next week or so. Ahhhhhh.. all things are possible with God =)

Australia Day

2011-01-27T19:38:00.001+11:00

Australia Day falls on the 26th of Jan. So that was yesterday. Public holiday for all. A group of us decided to go to Venus Bay to find some pipis. Took us 3 hours drive to get there.

Venus Bay Beach

First pipi - was really small. Needed to dig about 10cm. Then slowly, we started to get the "hang" of it. We found that there was more near the shore, where the waves came in and went. All wet and sunburnt as well.

Had a great time actually. Good experience.

Our hard work pipis

When we reached Melbourne, we got to see fireworks (again) at St Kilda Road. This time I remembered to take pictures with my camera. Happy with the effect.

Updates for this year

2011-01-18T12:43:00.001+11:00

So this year has been so good so far. Been discussing and planning for this year's work. My supervisor just offered to be her tutor for one her classes for this coming semester so that's good. Not sure of the hours yet, maybe one or two a week.

Haven't been doing much experiments yet because am trying to get all things ready before the busy busy days of experiments start again. So most of the time, I'm just finishing all the discussion for my papers (lol, they still have to be accepted before I can be proud of them).

If one thing I learnt from last year, is that God never fails to provide and bless, and through Him, all things are possible =)

New Zealand trip

2011-01-11T13:46:00.002+11:00

Back from a one week trip at New Zealand. Conference was awesome. Sightseeing was fun. Enjoyed the sleep. Food was okay. Enjoyed the not-many-asians places and of course, the exchange rate. Hah everything was cheaper in New Zealand. Met up with hometown church friend, Rachel Paul.

Pictures to be up on facebook. On another note, I've rejoined the gym again to fulfill my goal - fit!

Parallel parking - sort of discovered the trick hehe. Mazda 3 was our rented car during that one week. Love it!

Sunset from our plane back to Melbourne

First post of the year 1/11/11

2011-01-01T21:25:00.001+11:00

2010 ended with a bang. Portsea with sis and friends. Fish and chips. Swam in the sea. Buffet dinner with sis and uni friends. Played pool. Fireworks on St Kilda road.

Portsea

2011 resolution

go back to the gym
stay focus on my research and aim to graduate by end of the year
walk closer with God

Looking back at last year's. I've got my PR and driving license. Job? Nay, but furthered my studies instead. God has been really good to me last year. He never fails to provide and bless me. I pray that He will do that you too! =)

Happy 2011!

The festiveness of December

2010-12-22T10:06:00.002+11:00

Glad that I am busy with things apart from research. Glad that Christmas is approaching and it's always good to be reminded of Jesus's birth. Glad that I can share this joy with my family and friends.

Disney orchestra with sis

RMIT Classmates' graduation

Christmas caroling at Box Hill

KevJumba in Melbourne ♥ hehe

And JohnL's graduation dinner. Photos will be uploaded soon.

Finally, my rainbow dolphins cross stitch. Took me exactly 9 months to finish this. Now still searching for new ones to do. Thinking of Peace and Panda row.

44x26cm

Oprah

2010-12-13T17:13:00.001+11:00

Oprah was in Melbourne last week. Anyway, my colleagues and I went to see her at Federation Square on Friday. Waited for more than an hour to only see her for 15 minutes. Prime minister and premier were there but all the attention was on Oprah. Poor them ;p Some singers were also there to perform.

* Photos are from a friend.

Snippets of Malaysia trip

2010-12-07T16:16:00.002+11:00

Attended cousin's wedding. Ceremony was at a church. Very blessed to be able to attend his wedding. Dinner at PutraJaya. Very interesting. Got myself a driver for my wedding (future of course, apparently my parents almost fainted) hah..

With relatives - 2nd cousins, niece and nephew

Cameron Highland getaway - first time there. Visited strawberry farms, tea plantation, gift shops and vegetable farm. They all look the same ><

"Picking" tea at Bharat tea planatation

Back in Melbourne, again

2010-12-06T08:21:00.000+11:00

Three weeks of holiday were over in just a blink! So little time but so much things to do. Good catch up with family and relatives. Wish I had more time so that I can meet up with friends.

Overall, I had a really good time. It was awesome to have at least 9 hours of sleep almost every day. Eat-sleep-watch tv was a fun routine. I'm definitely gonna miss that lifestyle and am really thankful for it.

Now I'm back in Melbourne, refreshed, and ready for new challenges till the new year comes! ;)

At the Kemasik beach, Terengganu

Holiday updates

2010-11-16T19:49:00.000+11:00

It feels good to be back home. It feels good to not having to pay for my own groceries, shopping and food. It feels good to eat home cooked food. It feels good to watch astro and sit all day without needing to go the lab. Oh and it feels good to sleep more than 8 hours each day! =)

So far, I've had roti canai, curry fish head, steam chicken (home cooked), soup, healthy stuff for the body, buns, vitagen, keropok, mixed pork noodle, yau char kuey. More to come when I go over to KK and Kuching next week. Ohya, mum and I made spring rolls today!

Okie, I'm hungry again. Off to find more food. Ohh ohh, was just flipping through my primary and secondary school report books. Such a nerd I am. Still got a "heart thorn" that I didn't get 10As in SPM and also being beaten by my "rival". Sighh.. nerd..

Recap of my flight back from Melbourne

Before my flight, I was praying for an aisle seat. But I didn't get it. Was sitting one seat away from the aisle. Anyway, there was one not-so-skinny man was sitting two seats away from me (same row). He started to feel unwell. Then his wife/gf went to ask the cabin crew to call for a doctor blablabla. At the end, the lady sitting at the aisle and I were asked by the cabin crew if we could sit right at the back to let the guy lie down. Of course we had to say yes.

So I got my aisle seat because the lady took the window seat. Yay! And because we did a good deed for the flight, we were showered with free stuff and treated like a royalty. Also at the last 30 min of our flight, we were upgraded to business class =). Hah.. took photos for evidence but will upload them when I get back to Malaysia.

Thoughts

2010-11-10T09:10:00.001+11:00

Tomorrow and Friday are the days that I'm going to be busy with my analyses. I pray everything will go smoothly.

Going to miss the kids at church a lot. I wonder if they will remember me after three weeks.

Need to start packing. Want to travel light.

Less than a week

2010-11-06T20:00:00.000+11:00

Less than a week more to go and I'll be going back to Malaysia. Excited as I can be, a little part of me is feeling "luo luo luen". It's because my experiments are ending soon, and I need to do the necessary analyses and write up my results, plus a class on Friday itself before catching the midnight flight. Not sure if I'll enough time. To make things more complicated, I've still got a few more things that I still am procrastinating about sigh.

Many things to do with such little time. It's not that I can do these analyses now so that I have more time. I need to wait for the fixed timeframe to only carry out the analyses. And apparently, both furnaces in the lab are not working >< Of all time! Hope they'll fix it by Wednesday or latest Thursday.

God's blessings

2010-11-01T09:51:00.001+11:00

God has been really good to me, especially in terms of my education. He provided me the opportunity to study overseas, then He helped me to excel in my Bachelor studies. And now, He is opening doors for me to excel in my Postgrad studies by finding favour in my supervisor's eyes . Also answering my prayers where two of my abstract for conferences (one local and one international) to be accepted.

I guess for now, I will have to work very hard.

Latest update

2010-10-26T22:43:00.002+11:00

Let's see what has happened since last week:

- helped out at the kids church. Someone reminded me that these kids will one day grow up.

- attended RMIT's Higher Degree Research conference. Definitely learnt a lot. "No matter how busy we are, we must remember "two cans of beer".

- submitted an abstract for a conference overseas.

- abstract for a conference was accepted. Going to present a poster.

- many reports to write/submit before Malaysia trip.

- I need my break.

Masterchef boost

2010-10-20T12:08:00.003+11:00

Yesterday, a few friends and I were able to meet Masterchef's judges, Gary and George. We were able to get their signatures and take pictures with them. Overall, it was really awesome and I glad I went (and left my experiments aside).

with our cookbooks waiting

Us with Gary & George

Happy happy.. =)

Counting down

2010-10-18T09:57:00.000+11:00

As every day goes by, I'm continuously counting down the days that I'll be back in Malaysia. Not that I'm looking forward to the humid weather, but the family gatherings, food and cousin's wedding. Three weeks plus to go.. without having to worry about experiments.

Itinerary

13/11-19/11 - Kerteh

19/11-23/11 - KK

23/11-26/11- Kuching

26/11 - KL

Masters is so far so good despite the long hours. God has been looking out for me and provided many opportunities with me. Am blessed.

A picture of me and Janice.. <3

New camera

2010-10-13T07:25:00.000+11:00

Finally made the decision to buy the Canon G11 last Friday. So far so good. No regrets when I get to take good quality pictures of flowers, little kids and people. Still need more practice and time to put the camera to full use.

More detailed looking purplish flower

Hehe can even see the interior so clearly.. whatever you call it

Happy people buying gifts for Christmas shoebox

aww.. even taking pictures of my favourite kids was much fun

I have more pictures of the kids but don't think I can upload all of them on facebook. Some parents don't like :p oh well, I'm happy to just look at the pictures from laptop.

Tulips festival

2010-10-04T22:45:00.001+11:00

I thank God for having the time to "smell the roses" in the midst of crazy research. Perfect weather & perfect company =) Just wished I had a camera to take pictures. Not fun when Sam and Eleven were busy taking pictures and I was just.. staring. Hah.. nevermind, canon powershot G12 shall be mine soon.

His creation

A nice pic of me and the sis =)

Looking forward to

2010-09-30T08:08:00.001+10:00

1. Tulip farm this weekend

First phase of my experiments ended yesterday so planning to visit the tulips farm with sis and a few friends.

2. Malaysia (Nov 13th - Dec 3rd)

6 weeks till family, food and cousin's wedding. I can't wait to drink my grandmothers' soup hehe. My favourites hehe.. maybe I should learn how to cook those. Of course, mum's steam chicken too.

It has been more than 2 years since I last went back and this time, I think I need to bring gifts home lol.

So yeah, it's the last day of September already. 3 more months till it's the end of 2010. So much for this year's resolutions, I didn't fulfill most of them due to my decision of undertaking masters. All, if not most of my time is dedicated to research. Seriously, the government should change their policy for research students. Give us mid semester breaks!!!!!

Oh well.. 43 days till my BIG break..

The real stress

2010-09-19T10:14:00.001+10:00

When I thought I could handle my experiments, in terms of the so-many-things that I have to do at the same time, it gets busier when I started my experiments last week. Previously, I was only dealing with batch experiments but now I'm doing continuous. And all the daily mixing and analysis are killing me. Not that they are difficult, but all the things going on at the same time threw me into "helplessness".

I just feel like giving up but I remember my seniors telling me to push on till the end. 1.5 years more to go, can I really do it? For now, I'm definitely sure I won't be able to handle pHd if offered. For now, I'm pretty sure I'm not a person who can do research but since I've already started I must finish this.

And yes, thank God for comforting me with His words - "His strength is sufficient for me", "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" and "He renews me everyday".

Ahhh I can do this!! =)

Boring updates

2010-09-09T09:25:00.000+10:00

Apart from research now, I don't think there is much variations to my life. The busiest parts of my experiments are the starting point and the ending point. Ending two experiments this week and starting a new one next week. This time, supervisor makes sure that I don't start three experiments at the same time for various reasons.

Um, yes, can't wait till I go back to Malaysia for a few weeks. I think I'll enjoy the break without doing anything. Yesterday I had a day off from uni and to be honest, most of the time my mind was thinking of my experiments. But it was good to be able to watch tv series all day. Hah..

Hopefully I don't become a workaholic one day.

Oh, my confirmation of candidature as a Masters student is in almost 2 weeks time. It is sort of a presentation thingy and a few panel will be there to "check" on my progress. Fingers crossed that people won't ask me questions that I don't know how to answer.

Not feeling well

2010-09-06T07:59:00.000+10:00

A friend said it was "burn out", some said "weather was too cold". I think it was because there was one person standing in front of me coughing like there is no tomorrow. Or maybe it was from my colleagues who had been sick. I was the third.

Oh well, the worst part has ended and now I'm left with a cough with phlegm. Eww... need to get medicine for those and I hope the doctors in QV are free.

Away from the gross stuff.

We celebrated Father's Day at church yesterday. It was a fun time, enjoying the kids' presentation and of course, us presenting, which was more funny than touching. But yes, the song is dedicated to my father =) whether he knows it or not, I love him for who he is and how he has brought me up. I'm glad that we have more than one thing that we have in common. I'm glad when I talk about my studies, you understand.

Love you daddy.. ♥

Rest in God's arms

2010-09-01T21:58:00.000+10:00

Last Sunday, I was reminded by God's word that no matter how busy we are, we can still find rest in Him. It is pretty usual now that every day passes by like seconds. Today is Wednesday again, and weekend is approaching. So much to do, so little time.

This week has been pretty good so far. Not much of emotional stress. Less heavy to do as well. And yes, I need to keep reminding myself that I am not smart, that everything I achieve is by God's grace and blessings.

Thank you Lord!

Life

2010-08-29T23:21:00.000+10:00

I think I have been sharing, if not complaining about how tired I was this week with all the crazy "starting 3 experiments" at the same time, plus heavy lifting. And also to deal with emotional stress - uni related. I was pretty much knocked out after lunch on Friday, of which I went back to my office to have a short nap. So yes, this research life is really busy, very busy.

But on the bright side, now that I've started my experiments, the following days are going to be slightly easier, I think and hope.

Things to thank God for

an understanding supervisor, who knows what I'm going through
helpful seniors and friends, who helped out in the lab
and lastly, a bed to sleep on

On a random note, the undergraduates are having their semester break now, which means I don't have to *cough* go to their 3-hour lab. YES! More time to relax.

To the future

2010-08-25T10:51:00.000+10:00

The past week has been crazy. I had to deal with so much samples that the smell doesn't bother me anymore. Lol and carrying bottles (from 5 to 20L) everyday gives me exercise, building muscles.

And because my samples smell, somehow I always get the blame for anything that goes wrong within the laboratory. Sometimes I do think it is unfair especially when this project is not my own choice and someone has to do the dirty work. But all in all, I think this project is going to be a bang.

*cough* need to remind the Melbourne Water guy who said he'll give me a job when I graduate. I think even if I have to work in the operation side of the treatment plant, I think I won't mind it.

Proudest moment

2010-08-15T16:47:00.001+10:00

I think this award is qualified as my proudest moment in my undergrad life. The ceremony was held last month, or was it this month? Haha time flies too quick for me to remember. Anyway, here are some pictures.

Cheque, medal, 2 years of Engineer's Australia membership and certificate

Engineers Australia Award (HE)

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Some of you know that I've been doing cross stitch. Started this in March and it's almost done. Hehe very proud of it too. :p

A busy weekend

2010-08-09T12:52:00.000+10:00

Knowing that my weekend will be full on research in the weeks to come, last week I've decided to do what I normally don't do, which was to stay up late even though I have work the next day.

Friday

Dinner with friends @ Peko Peko, snooker, The Last Song

Saturday

Work, 3 hours nap, Samson's birthday dinner @ Sofia, Camberwell

I would love to think that the angle of the camera makes me look fat ><

Sunday

Church, usual lunch hangout with friends and then mahjong with some other people

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So yeah, I managed to survive work on Sat however on Sunday, I think I've "sleep-lag", kinda cranky in the morning but everything was okay after. Should be reading journals but hehe, Monday blues. HAH! Gambatehhh..

Something random

2010-08-07T22:24:00.001+10:00

Well actually not really. Early of the year, there were posters of "me" on the nescafe ad. Now I have a real poster *cough* put up for RMIT's Open Day for Chemical Engineering. No I don't look good so I'm not putting up any pictures. But yeah, it is kinda cool actually.

On another note, I'm a person who needs enough sleep to function properly. Today I had only 4 hours of sleep and yeah, not sure what kept me going at work but I felt sh*t the whole day. More emo actually. As much as I like my independence, I sometimes do wish I have a shoulder to lean on. But for now, I don't think I have the strength and time to even go for it.

Photos of Lake Mountain and Buxton

2010-08-03T09:16:00.003+10:00

These are the people who rock my world =) photographers included.

our coffee mug ♥

Jane, Sam and Aileen's toilet bowl

On our way home, we stopped by Buxton's trout and salmon farm. It was very tempting to fish for salmon but oh well, we sticked with medium trout.

the trout that I caught

Best Saturday ever

2010-07-31T21:38:00.000+10:00

It has been a very long time since I really enjoyed myself on a Saturday because I usually have to work on Saturdays. And after I finish work, am normally tired to do anything but just stay at home and do nothing. However, today, City Cell organised a day trip to Lake Mountain.

Summary of the Lake Mountain trip:

Stopped by Marysville for picnic on our way to Lake Mountain. Lake Mountain was cold plus it was raining. Not much snow but cold enough to make us freeze. Played the toboggan, made our "snowman", actually we made a coffee mug, snow fighting (finally!).

Our initial plan was to visit the waterfall but the road was closed. So two cars went back to Melbourne while ours decided to explore and we ended up in the Trout and Salmon farm. Only $3 for entrance fee, we got to do some fishing. Caught three trouts (one person each) and of course, we had to pay for them, which was only $22. Bbq-ed the fish straight at the place and ate them straight from the bbq pit. Oh I was one of them who caught the fish and mine was the largest. Hah!

Photos will come up soon when people start uploading them on facebook hehe.

Overall, we had an awesome time. Great fun. Thanks to the people who were part of my awesome Satuday. Ps J, Aunt Carol, Aunt Lily, YT, Sam, Aileen, Grace, JohnL, JaneL, SarahW & MX.

Upcoming events

2010-07-28T09:34:00.001+10:00

Thursday - Saturday Afternoon's final show

Friday - South Melton biogas plant tour, Korean church event - not sure if I'm going yet, depending on my experiments

Saturday - day trip to Mt BullerLake Mountain - oh yay, I'll be just happy to see now but need to buy water proof jacket! Any suggestions?

Sunday - church/experiments

Monday - first car servicing

Tuesday - RMIT Engineering Award ceremony =) Invitation extended to friends if you want to come listen to ~~boring~~ interesting speeches

Research life

2010-07-26T21:59:00.000+10:00

Research is something that I never thought that I will actually do. Now that I have stucked my foot in it, I can't give up even though at times I am kinda regretting it. I now face the different type of stress in my research. I managed to pass the "lit review" stress and "wastewater analysis" stress. However, I still need to face the "biogas experiments" stress and "smell-of-my-samples" stress.

Pardon for my ranting here but I just need to pour it out so that I can clear my brain before I sleep. Had experiences in waking up in the middle of the night worrying. A senior said: "This is just the beginning. Wait till you reach the end!". But yeah, I will persevere for my future.

And most important, I know God is looking over me, preparing opportunities for me somewhere and somehow. Lord, I pray for peace and a good night's rest. Thank You.

Experiments

2010-07-21T11:57:00.000+10:00

Life definitely has became harder since my lab work started. Lots of things to do and consider, which seems to never end. But out of all these, I know by the time I finish, I will be contributing something meaningful to the community and environment. Of course, meeting the people in this industry.

Apart from all the stress, everything is okay and I thank God for this.

Few things going on

2010-07-13T13:04:00.000+10:00

My supervisor is finally back from overseas and things are starting to get busy again. Have to edit my literature review, start planning experiments and running them. Aim for the next few months are to produce some results and hopefully enough to write papers to attend conferences.

So starting this weekend, I need to go back to uni to run my experiments and so yeah, hard work for the next couple of months.

Also waiting for my supervisor to approve my leave. If approved, I'll be back in Malaysia from mid Nov till early Dec. Cousin's wedding is going to be a lake wedding. Awesome~~~~ haha!

蒲松齡 series - 心竅

2010-07-09T10:51:00.005+10:00

Currently my favourite song =).

《蒲松齡》主題曲：心竅- 馬浚偉
迷惑太多能望见太多明白太少
预计长夜深终於天晓
暗黑的心才最叵测难料

云象太多而道理太多提示太少
直到长夜深星光普照
听风的詩能尽世间奇妙

如梦初醒无言才动听心的呼叫
镜中缘雾里花在美好从未需要
如梦不醒芒然流泪过方懂真笑
爱很长夜再深还有破晓

迷惑太多能望见太多明白太少
预计长夜深终於天晓
暗黑的心才最叵测难料

同伴太多沿路过太多留下太少
别算人或妖鬼影心窍
有酒今宵让最困扰忘掉

如梦初醒明明还在笑怎麼哭了
镜中缘雾里花最假的才越心跳
如梦不醒明明流泪了怎麼失笑
怨很长恨太多唯爱太少

credits to TVB Channel

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Enjoy~

What's next?

2010-07-05T13:19:00.001+10:00

A friend asked me, so what's next after PR? Finish my masters by end of next year, and get a job. Since I've got my PR, options are wider and hopefully landing me in my dream job.

Everything is slowly falling into place. I can't help but smile and thanking God for His continuous providence in my life. And sometimes I do think, 我们还有可能吗？But oh well, this time I will be patient.

On a random note, Sam and I named our car 小叮当 meaning Doraemon =).

The unexpected

2010-07-02T13:35:00.003+10:00

This morning when I checked my email, there was an email from the immigration. My first thought was "was I waiting for a reply from them?"

*clicked*

Dear Ms Woon

I refer to your application for a Skilled - Independent (VB 885) visa lodged on 27 January 2010 with the department.

I am pleased to advise that on 01 July 2010 a decision was taken to grant this visa.

HAH! I had to read that part a few times before realising that my PR application has been approved. Am feeling very happy. Wanted to share the news with my parents and sis but they were all still sleeping so I had to wait a bit lol. But yeah, am now an Australian permanent resident.

5 months of waiting was not that long. I mean, my friend keeps telling me 6 months is the minimum time. Nah, take that! And I saved 2.5k without going through the agent. :p

Next plan for now is to enroll as a Masters student.. hehe. All blessings come from God. Thank you..

Excitement

2010-06-30T15:19:00.003+10:00

Yesterday was Chemical Engineering department's 1st year injury free anniversary. Staff and postgrad students were invited to participate in the celebration. Lots of food and free backpack for everyone hehe.

Jeff, Kai & Yenni

Cameron, Minnie & Yong Tee

====

Just submitted my final copy of literature review to my supervisor so that she can submit it to CWW. I guess one item off my "worry" list.

Today is Minnie's birthday. Going to her house to give her a surprise party later tonight lol. Now I just hope that she doesn't read my blog before :p.

Apart from that, is a dream come true. Thank God for family and friends who helped me a lot =).

Little things

2010-06-25T15:22:00.001+10:00

Have I ever mentioned that little things can either make me happy or upset? A few examples:

No electricity (partial actually) - I actually cried ><
A call from Onesteel who was interested in my profile (which I did not complete everything) and asked me to reapply for their graduate position next year - made my day!

Maybe I am just someone who likes to make sure that I am in control of things. And if something-not-in-my-plan happens, I get upset. Yaya.. I'm an adult and I should be able to handle all these. But yeah, I'm still learning to be strong and the independent woman I once dreamed that I will be.

Now I am more determined to graduate by end of next year and get a job. Dear Lord, I thank You for turning my day from a bad to awesome.

Experimental work in disguise

2010-06-23T10:08:00.001+10:00

Haha, my first picture after a long long time. Hmm yeah that was from a photoshoot for CWW's annual report. Something like that. And yeah, that is the lab where I will be doing my experimental work in future, which I think is soon.

What?

2010-06-23T09:54:00.001+10:00

Parents have finally agreed to let us buy a second hand car so yay =). All the factors leading to my choice of car:

hatchback
few years old (2-3 years)
automatic.. lol a must!
price
fuel consumption

Based on the above factors, the car choices are: (well actually more of the car that I can see myself driving)

Honda Jazz (GLi)
Toyota Yarris or Toyota Corrola Ascent
Ford Focus or Ford Fiesta
Holden Astra

Price wise with all the cars are between 15k to 20k. If you ask me personally, my first choice is definitely the Jazz. It's like my dream car hehe. It is also the cheapest out of all the Honda cars. Cost: around 18k.

Other cars: Toyota Yarris (second choice) but price wise is almost the same as Jazz. Ford? I think fuel consumption is not as efficient as Jazz. Holden.. lol not really a favourite.

So yeah, call me bias or what. I want Honda Jazz!! Please... now is to hope that parents are alright with this. Oh did I mention it is a safe car as well? Haha.. don't believe? Click here.

Post #300

2010-06-15T11:22:00.000+10:00

Highlights of last week

Sarah Wong's graduation dinner at FISH, Docklands. The seafood was really really good mmm. Dessert was okay. Would have enjoyed it if I was not full from the main course.

Work on Saturday was pretty relaxing. I'm working in the other drycleaning shop now, which is nearer to home. More quiet and less work to do *cough*.

On Sunday, a few of us went around the church neighbourhood, giving out flyers for the upcoming Case For Faith seminars. Actually, more like putting flyers into people's mailboxes. Good exercise I would say.

Public holiday on Monday. Slept for 12 hours, which was awesome because it has been a LONG time since I had a 12 hours sleep hehe. Did mostly cross stitch and watched drama. Later in the afternoon, went to Springvale with a friend to check out the shooting club. Learning to use a pistol or rifle seems cool, but nah, not at the moment. Maybe in the future.

Winter is here

2010-06-07T10:41:00.003+10:00

Winter is here. Here come my updates since the last time I’ve updated.

Sam and I tried new recipes
Half day trip to Daylesford (impromptu) to release some stress
Friday was also my last day doing online work for my boss because he found a full time person
Moved to another office – new computer, smaller table, more privacy, slightly colder and slightly like-a-jail room
Weekend = work, cross stitch, drama, church, food, cross stitch, drama =)

Looking forward to:

Sarah’s graduation dinner
Queens birthday = long weekend. Feel like going somewhere but I’ve got a feeling that I’ll staying at home

Weekly update

2010-05-29T11:10:00.002+10:00

Uni is pretty much the same. Am usually at uni by 8am and home by 7pm so that I can watch masterchef lol. 11 hours per day is pretty long and I still can't help to wonder why is my pile of work still at the same level. Never ending journals to read and documents to type up. I thank God that I have friends to have lunch break in between that 11 hours because if not I will definitely go crazy.

Work at the drycleaning shop is the same too. Boss installed wireless weeks ago so being at work means I can do my online work as well. This online work is also for my drycleaning boss.

Nothing much to look forward to except Shrek and Karate Kid next month.

Just like to mention this because I know you'll be reading this:

Sarah Wong!! Love you! =) Even though you almost scared me to death last night hehe xoxo ♥

Masters

2010-05-23T22:13:00.001+10:00

It always occurred to me that when I accepted to do my Masters, I always thought that I'll be graduating with a Masters in Chemical Engineering. To cut the story short, I will be graduating with a Masters in Environmental Engineering when I finish end of next year =).

Yes I should be in bed by now so that I can be up early tomorrow. But I was thinking, since it's Monday tomorrow and I want to start it right, I'll go to uni a bit later than my usual 8 to 8.30 mornings.

Apart from doing my literature review, I've been learning some experimental work from a colleague. She's a nice lady. Explaining things to me that I did not understand. That means, lab work will be starting soon. Excited? YES! Waste? NO, not really. But overall, YES!

Also, have been meeting with industry people to know more about their technology etc. A few more this week. I suddenly feel very grown up haha.

So yeah, that's all for the update. Good night! =)

Hokkien favourites

2010-05-13T15:35:00.002+10:00

I seldom listen to hokkien songs but stumbled across one on a friend's profile. And fell in love with it. Well, first the music is written by Jay Chou. Second, it has piano element in it.

After that, I started listening to her songs. And yeah, similar, piano element :p

And another song, written and directed by Jay Chou and has piano element in it. All these songs reminded me of sis telling me that I have a particular taste for "tribal" type of music. Or traditional instruments. Whatever you called it.

Happenings in my life

2010-05-12T22:03:00.001+10:00

Apart from uni, I am pretty enjoying myself too. Work doesn't count I suppose. Well let's see what we have for the past few weeks.

Iron Man 2, Ip Man 2 & Beneath Hill 60 at Chadstone
Jane's 17th & Sarah's 21st =)
Mother's day walk at the Alexandra Gardens
lunches with friends

Sorry for the short update.

My work pattern

2010-05-06T08:59:00.002+10:00

I've recently realised that I always work better in the mornings. Definitely not very productive after lunch. So I made it a point everyday, that I will be at uni from 8.30am till 4.30pm (or later) to make sure that there is at least a few hours of productive work. And then relax and not think about research during the weekend. Also, learning from past experience of research (vacation work), I've learned to never bring work home. Or think about it at night. This is to make sure I have good/enough sleep. Also, my life motto now is learning to relax amongst the stress. So yeah, the stress is building up. The work just keeps coming. But overall, I am enjoying myself and knowing that my work is going to contribute to the community. Oh did I mention that my supervisors plan to upgrade my Masters to Phd if all things go well? No, let's not go to that part yet.

I feel like a 'Joseph'

2010-04-27T21:41:00.001+10:00

During my undergraduate studies, I was always busy with club activities. Now as a postgraduate student, I am (will) be busy with work. In the coming months. I'll be assisting 2 lecturers in preparing for a conference and journal paper by interviewing first year students. Also, I might be tutoring in my supervisor's class.

Then, there's this online work that my drycleaning boss has given me to do on top of the once-a-week drycleaning job. Translating work and some basic picture editing.

Sometimes, I do feel myself a workaholic. Or should I put it: I love being busy and not not doing anything.

So yeah, I'm pretty much flat out by the time I get home. Not complaining and thanking God for His favour of me finding favour in my boss's and lecturers' eyes. I feel like a 'Joseph'.

Woohoo

2010-04-23T07:25:00.001+10:00

I finally passed my Victorian driving test! Now one thing can be off my mind. It was crazy because everytime before my test, I worried and my headaches were back again. Lol yeah I failed twice before passing the third time. Slightly embarrassed but hey, I'm in the "passed" zone now. Though I won't be driving, it feels good to have a drivers license. Now it'll take about 10 working days for my license to arrive in the post.

Now that I've passed my driving test, there shouldn't be any excuse for me to start focusing on my research. As my boss at work said, "You're using your driving test to skip work". Lol somewhat true.

With regards to work, I'm still working at the drycleaning shop every Saturday. That is for now. My boss has new work for me though. Computer work where I'll just sit in front of the computer and reply emails and do some cut/paste work on pictures. So that means I can just work at home/uni. Don't know the exact details but will be discussing it further tomorrow.

What else? Looking forward to lunch with Phoebe today, JJ Lin's concert is tomorrow. Meeting up with a few uni friends for dinner. Jane's birthday at Torquay on Sunday. Woohooo... and trying to lose some weight before Sarah's BIG 21st the following Saturday. Busy busy.. but loving my life now!

Random stuff

2010-04-19T22:25:00.002+10:00

I don't know what to blog about, really.

* radiator/heater fell on my feet the other day. But it is healing on its own. I think I bought a hot/cold pack for nothing. Well I'm sure it will come to use one day.

* sometimes when I talk to this particular friend, I always wonder when I can be like him. He's sort of my mentor/senior/friend. He's always so knowledgeable and knows what he is doing. Lol I hope he doesn't stumble upon my blog if not I paiseh. Lol actually, I really look up to him.

* never stop thanking God for blessings in my life. I'm sure there's other people who are more worthy of this award, but hey, God blesses me with one. Will let you guys know if/when I get it hehe.

* I get tired very easily nowadays.

* Am happy with growing friendship. Experiencing things that I've always never seem to notice

* my fear for dogs are slowly diminishing. Actually, I think it is still there but am not afraid of mochi anymore. Can't wait to see him tomorrow! hehe

First week of uni

2010-04-13T21:51:00.000+10:00

After a long break of almost 5 months, I am back at RMIT again to do my masters. For the time being, I am a RMIT casual staff. And hopefully by semester 2 I'll be able to get my PR and then enroll as a student. Good point is I enjoy the benefits of a staff ;) Bad point is I don't get student discounts :p.

What else? Oh I have a cubicle! But am still waiting for my key to the office. Then it's all set! Planning to get some decoration going :p of course once they set up a computer for me too!

My thesis is about anaerobic digestion. It is one of the processes in the wastewater treatment process. My raw materials will be from feedstock. Need injections for that.

So for the upcoming weeks, I will be working on my literature review. Lots of readings.. and writing! Ehhh.. let's not think of that for the moment hehe.

Blessings in life

2010-04-08T23:50:00.000+10:00

Just came back from Planetshakers' conference. They had a speaker, Bishop T.D Jakes to come speak to us. It is really amazing that sometimes simple messages make more sense. And I'm glad that today I went. Because I felt that God was reminding me to count my blessings and to remember to praise Him in all circumstances. And when we continue to praise Him, He will lift us up.

So yeah, I thank God for my dear friends because they colour my life and make it more interesting.

* I was planning to upload photos from camp and the Grand Prix but this new draft.blogger has left me confused. I shall upload them when I figure out how.

New layout

2010-04-01T21:20:00.000+11:00

Woot.. am trying a new layout on draft.blogger. It claims to help simplify stuff. Even the layouts look simple. Well I like them. Simple.

So yeah, will be off for Easter camp for a few days. Might try a new layout again when I come back to Melbourne. Was actually thinking of putting a raindrops-themed layout but thinking that it might be a bit depressing? We'll see.

Till then..

Time flies

2010-03-24T19:41:00.002+11:00

Three weeks seemed like a long time. Nine months seemed to pass like it has never happened. I still do think or wonder, what would it be like if things were the same? One thing for sure, it has made me stronger and wiser (I hope).

Anyway, March is approaching its end and I would be back to being a jobless student, again. Happy that I will be furthering studies. Sad that I won't be working at the drycleaning place as I am really enjoying myself there. Good boss, colleagues and work =).

I think for now, I'll be looking forward to Formula 1 race (this weekend), Easter camp and JJ's concert (also next month).

Updates..

2010-03-15T13:06:00.004+11:00

Blogging on the bed with a dog beside me.
At Maryborough for a few days. Taking my driving test on Wednesday.

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Birthday day was awesome. The morning started with me making the decision to study Masters, with a scholarship of course. Then it was meeting up with uni friends for a dumpling lunch. As embarrassing as it is, I almost couldn't blow out a candle :p but overall it was great. After that, using my birthday as an excuse, I "kindly" forced my friends to take sticker photos with me. A friend also got me a soft toy. Happpyyyyyy...

Then it was back to uni to "show my face" at the Chem Eng bbq. Well, it was sort of to pass time while waiting to meet Trang. Then we went together to the soft toy place again to try for a few more. Lol her brother got one for each of us so we both were content.

Next was dinner with a few friends from church. This time I have more presents which included flowers. 2nd bunch of flowers received during my whole life and I would say they made me really blissful.

Karaoke was the last event of the night. Because it was my birthday, the KBox people gave us a bottle of champagne to celebrate. Sooo nice!

Overall, I would say that this year's birthday was epic. One of the best!! =)

God's discipline

2010-03-04T06:04:00.004+11:00

Things in life happen for a reason, good or bad. I remembered a friend once told me that all these are to make me to be a stronger person. I have always known that I am not an obedient child of God and despite all that, He always finds a way to bring me back to path, to my main goal. Well, that is how I think. This time, is something shorter and less painful. I pray that God will give me the strength in this time in the valley.

So far so good

2010-02-26T20:10:00.002+11:00

During this waiting period, I have learnt to be patient and less anxious in life basically. I've been reading a book lately and it has really taught me to not let my thoughts overcome my actions. Trying to be as positive as possible. Whatever happens, I will leave it in God's hands.

For now, I am content with life. And I thank God for the little little things.

Part time job

2010-02-18T20:47:00.002+11:00

Finally... when people ask me "What are you doing now?", I can say "Oh I am working part time at laundry shop while waiting for my PR". To be honest, I was really surprised to receive the call from my boss (now) yesterday. Happily agreed since I was getting bored of life already. Also happily agreed to work full time for now. So yeah, crazy hours (7am to 6pm) but no complains. Working as a counter staff in a launderette is actually quite interesting. Totally different from a waitressing dress. In other words, less stress =).

So yeah, today was my 1st training at work and I have another day of training on Tuesday. If I can cope, as the boss says, then I'll be working full time. I think, I should be ok. What is so difficult with multitasking between receiving customers, answering phone calls and packaging finished garments? :p

Seriously, can't wait till it gets really busy so that time will just fly...

Chinese New Year and Valentine's greetings

2010-02-14T23:26:00.003+11:00

Nothing is more satisfying than celebrating Chinese New Year and Valentine's together with family and friends? And with food of course =).

CNY eve dinner

And quoting a friend's blog, well actually paraphrasing - who needs a boyfriend to give flowers/chocolates. meh

Ups and downs

2010-02-10T17:01:00.003+11:00

There have been ups and downs in my life lately. Not sure if I should be complaining that my life is not a straight line but like a roller coaster. But yeah, I am still thankful with the other little things.

A verse that a friend shared to me: "Although weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" - Psalm 30:5. Such a powerful verse. Sometimes, the pain and responsibility can be so painful that I wish I could just give up. So hard to breath. But this verse comforts me.

I would love to fast forward time to see what will happen in future. But, if I do that, there is no more fun to life I suppose. And I believe, this is another new phase of my life.

Another update

2010-02-03T22:31:00.002+11:00

Lately, I've been very lazy with updating my blog. Somehow, it doesn't feel as fun as how it used to be. I guess it's because my life has been pretty much a constant. Or should I say a cycle?

Get up, internet, drama, food, internet/drama, food, sleep.

I need to do something more productive. Maybe I should attempt cleaning my wardrobe and bookshelves again.

Worries never ends

2010-01-28T22:04:00.003+11:00

When I was in secondary school, I worried that my results won't be good enough to get me into foundation. Then when I was in foundation, I worried that I won't be able to go overseas.

Now that I have graduated, things that keep occupying my mind are my PR and a job. Where.. when.. how..

Humans never ceased to stop worrying. I believe, when I have a job, I'm sure other things will come up.

But through all these, I believe in God's word. In Him we find peace. In Him, things will be granted according to His plans.

Back in Melbourne

2010-01-25T15:12:00.003+11:00

Woohoo, I am back in Melbourne. Some of you may know that I was in Adelaide for the past one week. Stayed at my foundation year best friend, SF =) Did so much over there. Took about 700+ photos, which will be on facebook soon.

To summarise the whole trip:

Victor Harbour
German village, Hahndorf
National Motor Museum, South Australia Museum, Maritime Museum (both in Adelaide and Whyalla), Art Gallery, Almond train, Chocolate factories, Victor Harbour
Adelaide zoo - pandas, sealions, penguins etc
Botanic garden - a very big one
Port Adelaide - dolphin cruise

Here in Adelaide

2010-01-20T11:26:00.005+11:00

Am now in the University of SA's library waiting for a friend, then we'll be heading to Port Adelaide to see dolphins. Summary of my last few days: food, fun and friends =). Will put pictures up on facebook when I go back to Melbourne.

Fulfilling

2010-01-13T16:22:00.005+11:00

I would say the past few days have been really busy for me. Been applying jobs and also finalising my PR application, such as scanning documents and uploading them onto the website.

Also, I will be sitting for my knowledge test end of this month. It is one of the test required to obtain a driving license here in Melbourne. It is similar to the road laws in Malaysia. The laws maybe not, but the rest are pretty much the same. So yeah, now I need a car to start practising my driving.

my favourite meal

Big decisions

2010-01-11T09:38:00.000+11:00

I think the year of 2010 can be labelled as the Year of Decisions.

PR
Job - determining my future (house and car)
Driving license

Photoshoot pictures

2010-01-10T08:31:00.000+11:00

I think I mentioned I had a student profile photoshoot last month. Or two months ago. These pictures will be used in promotion brochures. Anyway, the CD just got mailed to me on Friday and here are some of the best ones.

in the laboratory

love this picture - with wind affect

I think this was suppose to look cool - but instead I like bored ><

Same old same old

2010-01-09T09:15:00.003+11:00

For the past few days, I have been wanting to update this blog but every time after I typed one sentence, I will go *delete* and hence the lack of updates. Anyway, I will just sum up the past week.

* hanging out with Simon, Herry, Ken and sis .. most of the time (lunch, dinner, board games)

* PR application - almost done

* Jobs application - need to apply more

* swimming

* cross stitching - tram

* HK drama

Nothing happening that is happening now. Weather in Melbourne is getting hotter. Can't wait for my Adelaide trip.

Happy New Year 2010!

2010-01-01T14:57:00.006+11:00

The new year has come. For me, 2009 ended with a blast. Visited the museum, Italian pasta for dinner then 9.15pm fireworks at Docklands. The rain came pouring just before the fireworks. We were drenched but it was a good experience. Stranded under the rain, had to ask a friend to come pick us up. Stepping in big puddles of water. Hiding under the tree.

The midnight fireworks was spectacular. This time, we went up to the rooftop of a carpark. From there, we could see most of the fireworks from the Melbourne skyliners. Hehe best view ever! Oh so worth it.. =)

So yeah, great ending of the year of 2009 and a sweet start to year of 2010.

Happy New Year 2010!

The last few days of 2009

2009-12-26T16:57:00.005+11:00

Five more days left in the year of 2009.

2009 Resolutions

devotion every day (mostly)

exercise at least twice a week (lose some weight and being healthy) (I tried to but failed when it was near exam and holiday period)

concentrate on studies (hmm.. I think I did? Maybe.. half half)

clean house at least twice a month (major fail, I think we cleaned the house once a month, or maybe less)

enjoy the last year of uni (YESHHHH I did)

save money every month (zero)

Can't say that I'm looking forward to 2010 because things are still pretty unclear. Well, except I know that I won't be furthering my studies because I got a rejection letter from the scholarship department. That's all from me.

2010 Resolutions

more quality time with God (devotion, bible study, church leadership)

exercise at least twice a week (next year I want to be fit)

spend more time with friends where possible (I feel sometimes I like being alone, which is not good)

Housekeeping and money saving don't seem to fit in anymore hehe.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T00:00:00.000+11:00

A very blessed Christmas to everyone!

Another road trip

2009-12-22T07:29:00.003+11:00

As the time now, I should be packing my bag and getting ready, but no, I choose to blog for abit. Today, aunt will be bringing us to Wilsons Prom for a 3 days 2 nights trip. I heard we're staying at a hotel. I heard it's beautiful down there.

Then it's the Christmas day family gathering where we are going to meet up with dad's cousin and also have a BBQ dinner after with other relatives.

The long awaited weekend where the honeydew meets coconut again =).

And when everything is quieter (ie. parents back in Malaysia), I will update more.

Holidays

2009-12-21T00:16:00.003+11:00

Yes I feel bad for abandoning my blog but traveling almost everyday makes it difficult to update. For the past few days, I've been to the Philip Island, Werribee Zoo and Park, Great Ocean Road and Warrnambool. Lots of pictures have been taken and I guess my favourite picture out of all of them is....

The season of festive = food!

So much walking

2009-12-15T18:36:00.003+11:00

In the past two days, so much walking had been done because we had to bring parents around the city. So much walking till my legs hurt, especially in the morning, you can feel those cramps. Nothing much has been happening except busy with trying to lose some weight before the graduation, which is TOMORROW. Ahhh the university chapter is really coming to an end.

Something else - a group photo of students who presented their report at the CWW students presentation day. Just received the photo. Thanks!

Photo courtesy of CWW

Parents are here

2009-12-13T08:48:00.004+11:00

Parents are now in Melbourne with us, except that they are staying with my relatives.

This week's agenda

graduation photos
graduation ceremony
trip to Philip Island (postponed till next week) and Warrnambool

2009 in a glance

2009-12-10T09:21:00.009+11:00

The year of 2009 has almost come to an end. Since I started blogging, it has been an annual thing where I recapped the happenings of the year. So, the story begins.

January

vacation work @ RMIT - Dec till Feb

babysitting Janice - ain't she pretty?

February - the month of valentine

bean bag shopping with Sarah =)

photoshoot @ Lygon St

March - the birthday month of all-you-can-eats'.

and a ticket to see the airshow @ Avalon

April - God, family and friendship bonding

Easter camp

caught 2 fish @ the lake

May - busy uni life

sightseeing with the relatives

site visits to chicken processing plant

Mothers' Day celebration - with herry cooking his 1st egg

June - ...

God's promise to carry me through

July - Malaysia trip

Maryborough trip with city cell

August - Keys Mission CD launching

Engineering Ball @ Lincoln of Toorak - 1st hangover

Koola bear in town

September - birthdays

Tulip farm

October - end of year presentations and bubble tea sessions

Malaysian ball

November - the best happenings. A new beginning to a new relationship.

2 days trip to Canberra

3 days 2 nights epic roadtrip to Lakes Entrance

December - christmas caroling, graduation, parents in town

Ida's 18th!

Christmas choir

I guess that is the end of 2009 and I would say it has been a fruitful year with lots of growing up and fun. It also marked the end of a student life. Next year is going to be a different life chapter and though not anticipating it yet, I'm sure it would be exciting.

The festive month

2009-12-08T12:32:00.004+11:00

As Christmas approaches, I can feel the festive spirit - the season of family and presents. I guess, one thing that I will never grow old of - presents! And of course, not to forget the birth of Jesus =).

Relatives from Malaysia are in town.
Parents are coming to Melbourne in 4 days time.
Graduation ceremony next Wednesday.
Touring around Melbourne and Victoria
Christmas

currently in love with green turtles

Bourke St, Melbourne

What is best

2009-12-06T23:16:00.003+11:00

What is best with ending your weekend?

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Good sermon!

Good company and good food!

the famous xiao long bao @ Hutong Dumplings

and chilli oil dumplings =)

Sleepless night

2009-12-03T00:02:00.003+11:00

Some of you may know that I am an early sleeper - be in bed before midnight. However, tonight it is one of those nights when I want to sleep early but failed. The eyes wanna close but the brain is still active.

Things that have been bothering me for the past few days.

pressure to get a job (be it part time or full time)
application for PR - migration skills assessment is not as easy as I thought
friends are leaving one by one (either for holiday or for good)
can't bear the thought of LD with coconut bubble tea

Oh Lord, please give me wisdom and strength.

First of the last

2009-12-01T10:13:00.003+11:00

2009 is coming to an end and I would say that this year has been a good year. Not sure if I'm looking forward to the new chapter of my life but I'll come around to it eventually. For now, it's just going to be enjoying my holidays by doing nothing and something.

Christmas carols last week were awesome. Sang five times at different places and was blessed when people were blessed. This Sunday is going to be a combined service at our church and can't wait for that. It is an early Christmas celebration.

This week, I also plan to attempt making cookies. Fail or success, we will see ><

Christmas caroling weekend

2009-11-28T08:53:00.004+11:00

Last night was an awesome time of wine, oysters and prawns; and new moon.

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Am looking forward to an-awesome-weekend of christmas caroling and I can already feel it.

Blackburn lake sanctuary

Holidayss

2009-11-25T09:55:00.004+11:00

Was thinking of what to share here but all I can think is . Ahh I'll just update on my not-so-boring life for this week.

* watching New Moon ~~today~~ (postponed to Friday). It better be good or else..

* UNO session - Thursday ~~(tbc)~~ (confirmed)

* getting ready for presentation of my research project at VU - Friday

* christmas carolling @ home groups - Saturday

* christmas carolling @ Maryborough - Sunday

* swine flu vaccine - Sunday

Talking about swine flu, no one seems to be talking about it anymore. Not like the people in Melbourne care about it. Lol.. oh well, it doesn't bother me. Just get that vaccine and my family will have to worry less.

It's her birthday

2009-11-23T08:45:00.006+11:00

Today is my little sister's 21st birthday. Oh I don't think I can call her little anymore since she's an ADULT already. For the past 21 years, I've seen her grown from the always-needs-her-sister girl to a I-can-stand-on-my-own-feet beautiful young lady.

She had her 21st birthday party last Saturday and I can say it was a blast because she enjoyed herself a lot. I managed to get myself out of saying a speech, not because I don't love her enough to say but I thought, maybe it's better to dedicate this post to her so that she will remember this forever, hopefully :p.

Bad/embarrassing stuff first. Let's see. Sam..

was a cry baby
had loads of nicknames but the worst one was panty - invented by me! HA
is sometimes my parents' favourite child, though I would like to think that I am because I'm the first born ;)
always gets her way when she goes manja-ing with my parents.

As unfair as it sounds, I thank God for blessing me with my sister. Not only is she my sister, but also my best friend. We can talk about almost anything and everything and can go on forever. We argue like normal siblings do but not to the extend of fighting such as hair pulling. I'm glad. Even though I sometimes do take advantage of her, but deep down inside of me, I am really thankful for what she has done for me and also blessed to share the same blood.

This year as she celebrates her birthday, I pray that she will continue to have a blast and awesome time (she already has for the past few days with cakes and flowers) with her friends today. I also pray that she will continue to grow stronger in the Lord and He will bless her abdundantly in every areas of her life.

Through ups and downs, her presence graces me

Life without her is barely imaginable

I love you sis

HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY!

Something I would do this summer

2009-11-20T12:11:00.001+11:00

Night at the children playground
Just last night, sis and I were chilling at the park near our place to cool down. I think, I have a 'thing' with sitting on the swing and talking under the stars. Even it was only with my sis, I felt it was really romantic. Even had the urge to take a beach towel and lie on the grass and just stare at the sky.

Swimming
I might try making swimming a regular exercise since there's a swimming pool near my place. And also a opening-soon-gym.

Job hunting
Yes definitely when parents and relatives go back to Malaysia ;p

Early summer

2009-11-19T10:52:00.004+11:00

Spring this year seems short. Summer is already hitting on us people in Melbourne. Today will be staying at home to some spring cleaning. It's gonna be a hot hot day, unlike the cold air con-like cave.

Memories

2009-11-17T08:43:00.005+11:00

Agenda

* tues - Student profile photoshoot (Update: Chem eng ones was so much cooler hehe)

* wed - 我与你的约会

* fri - chinese cell group (thanksgiving?)

* sat - sis's birthday party

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So far so good. Holiday has been good. This year has been good. Lowest moment in June. But hey, once you crossed the valley, you'll be on mountain top =).

presentating MASCA's annual report at the AGM last month

photo credits: Amir

catching up with Cassie before she left to China for holidays

Last one

2009-11-15T07:26:00.001+11:00

Day THREE

In the morning after packing up and doing all the required punishments, we started on our journey back to Melbourne. On our way out of Lakes Entrance, we stopped by the lookover to take our last group picture.

thanks guys, you are all awesome (with Jeremy accidentally cut out =( )

the only picture blogged - from my camera

Unfortunately, due to lack of sleep plus headache/car sick, I slept for half of the trip back.

before I dozed off

Goodbye Lakes Entrance

The after Big 2 story/punishment

* read when you have time

The story did not end just like that, it did with a huge impact. Each of us, namely Ming, Eric, Nhien, Jeremy and me played 12 rounds of Big 2 till half past 2am and had punishments that we needed to carry out before we left our accommodation.

After our games, Ming needed Chris's car key to get food from the car, so we sneaked into one of the cottages to get it. Somehow, inspiration came to play a prank on one of the guys there. At the same time, there was one bottle of sunscreen on the table. So in pitch dark, we decided to creep into Chris's room and pour sunscreen on him.

Professionally, I managed to sneak in and squeezed sunscreen onto Chris's hair. Too bad he woke up, scrambling out, Jeremy, Nhien and I went to hide in the bathroom for awhile to avoid the-just-awaken and not-so-happy Chris. Haha.. when it was finally safe, we went out but still got caught because Chris was standing behind his bedroom door. LOL we definitely had a good laugh.

Oh and our punishments in order, which we will never forget for the rest of our lives. It was obvious who won the most by looking at the number of punishments.

1. Jeremy - hug Hieu for 10 sec / wear his clothes inside out

2. Nhien - put his hand into Hieu's pocket for 5 sec / bark when someone (excluding us) calls his name

3. Eric - hump Hieu's leg (funniest moment)

4. Sabrina - squeeze Chris's breast (I cheated shh :p I just put my hands on his chest HAHA) and ask one stupid question

THE END - thank you for reading

Day TWO

2009-11-13T10:03:00.008+11:00

Warning: This is going to be a long post =)

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Summary of our Day TWO in Lakes Entrance:

1. Buchan Caves - we visited one of the caves, Fairy cave where its speciality was stalactite and stalagmite. We were showed around by a tour guide.

The visit in the cave was about an hour. It was very humid inside and all of us were sweating/smelt like pig HAHA. Once we were out of the cave, we took more pictures.

right outside the cave

the typical "jump" scene

saw this two really nice trees - Bollywood style

more group photos - at the visitor information centre of Buchan caves

2. Unknown cave adventure - Chris brought us to this cave where we had to find our own way inside. We had to use our own torch lights as it was pitch dark inside. Getting to the cave was one thing because there was no specific route to go in.

had to squeeze in between the rocks

3. Beach - this time the guys went into the sea to enjoy the seawater and waves. I couldn't go all the way in because I didn't bring an extra towel. So I just stood in the water for a bit (knee length). Nevertheless, I was wet from top to bottom (thanks to the waves).

Eric being thrown into the water

Jeremy, Ming and Jek buried

4. Sunset - total awesomeness. Again, in awe with God's creation. Standing at the lookout and looking at this beautiful view made really happy. Also I was thankful that I could go on this roadtrip with my friends and really enjoyed myself.

saranghae

5. A whole night of UNO and Big 2. After a dinner of home-cooked pasta by our own chefs, we spent half of the night playing UNO. Around midnight, half went to sleep while the other half stayed back to play Big 2.

to the future chemical engineers =)

Any of us who lost a round of Big 2 had to undertake punishments. The punishment for the first few rounds were 20 push ups, for me it was 20 squats. When the guys were tired of push ups, we changed our punishment to something more exciting and funny. What were they?

// to be continued..

Lakes Entrance - 09 to 11 Nov

2009-11-11T21:00:00.011+11:00

The long-waited roadtrip to Lakes Entrance was finally there! Though the idea of the roadtrip was really random but that it actually got organised was surprising. We took almost 1000 pictures and several videos. Laughed so much. One word: EPIC!

Top: Jeremy, Chris, Me, Eric, Nhien, Ezhil, Hieu

Bottom: Ming, Jek, Minnie

Day ONE

About 10.30am, 10 of us were waiting at Hieu's place to start our journey. Then it was a long 3-hours drive to Lakes Entrance. In between, we stopped for meals and toilet breaks. Finally... we arrived at our destination.

Our accommodation - Kickback Cottages

Inside one of our cottages

Once we unpacked, we headed down to the Lake Entrance beach. The water was blue and sand was really clean. Cool water. Amazing view too! Simply breathtaking.

After enjoying the beach was BBQ for dinner. We do know how to enjoy ourselves LOL.

the chefs

And finally, the last activity of the night was actually playing UNO. It was not as simple as it seems, because more rules were added and changed, which made the game really interesting and funny. So much laughter till we had to control our volume.

// to be continued..

Purple everywhere

2009-11-07T08:36:00.005+11:00

Updates on life: going out with friends, busy catching up, PR-related stuff etc.. gonna keep me busy for the next 2 months :p Oh and a student presentation in Sunshine in a few weeks time.

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Are most spring flowers purple? Because everywhere I go, I see purple haha. Or maybe I should say, I only see purple.

The life of a student

2009-11-04T22:19:00.003+11:00

My life of a student has come to an end. No more homework or studying. Just like that. I am an unofficial Chemical Engineer.

Seriously, I think I face the same fear that every, or most graduates have during this time of life. What am I going to do? Where will I be?

There are so many blurry things but I shall wait patiently, that everything will become clear.